JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Emily Damari, the hostage who was released from Hamas captivity in Gaza after 471 days as part of the latest deal, made an emotional visit to the Western Wall last night (Monday).
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During her visit, she expressed gratitude for her release by reciting the Birkat HaGomel and reading the “Mizmor LeTodah” from the Book of Psalms.
עוד מהתפילה בכותל: אמילי דמארי מברכת “הגומל”. אמן. pic.twitter.com/wYxcn05jNx
— שילה פריד🇮🇱 (@shilofreid) February 17, 2025
Damari shared that during her time in captivity, she was able to listen to Selichot prayers from the Western Wall via radio on the eve of Yom Kippur, which, according to her, gave her strength and hope during the difficult times. “Even in the darkness, I connected to the sacred moments of my people, and it gave me an inner light to keep believing and waiting for the moment of my release,” she said.
During her visit, she was presented with a necklace featuring a pendant of the Western Wall as a symbol of her connection to the site and the prayers she recited while in captivity. Additionally, she took part in a special tour of the newly excavated areas and the Sha’ar HaShamayim exhibit in the Western Wall tunnels.
The event was deeply moving, as Damari was surrounded by people who gathered in prayer and support. However she emphasized that prayers and hopes for the return of the remaining hostages from Gaza must continue unabated.
